Conqueror Of The Dark Soul

Chapter 5 - Bar

The bustling marketplace where people engage in free trade, offering a variety of goods, fills the air with constant shouts from traders promoting their wares. Alden stops at a street vendor, intrigued by unique items on a makeshift table.

"Oh, young man. Are you looking for something specific?" The middle-aged trader with a large nose and slightly better attire than the others speaks up.

Alden, intrigued, reaches out to pick up a unique item – a slightly rusty dagger. While it may seem odd to sell a worn-out dagger, given this is an antique store, Alden doesn't find it surprising.

Moreover, what catches his attention is the rusty dagger's unique lines emitting a reddish glow. Certainly, someone like the trader wouldn't notice it.

"No doubt. It has the Dark Soul Seed," the Black Orb comments on the dagger.

Alden nods in agreement.

"Excellent choice! Believe me, that dagger hails from the Dark Dimension. Rumor has it; it's one of the most sought-after items there," the trader starts elaborating on the dagger.

On the other hand, Alden listens without taking it too seriously.

"That's clearly a lie," the Black Orb seems upset with what the trader said.

"I know," Alden replies.

"Oh, so you've heard the story! Good, then I won't need to explain further. I'll let it go for 100 silver coins," the trader confidently misunderstands the situation.

In the Devon Empire, the currency used is called Liontin. One Liontin equals 100 silver coins, and one silver coin equals 100 bronze coins. For reference, the price of a bowl of soup ranges from 10 to 20 bronze coins, and the average inn price is 2 silver coins per night.

However, this is not crucial for Alden; he currently doesn't have that currency. In the southern continent, a different currency is used, and at the moment, he doesn't carry much money.

He used two gold coins to pay for his previous drink. It was clearly a foolish move, but perhaps it was the best considering that currency is not valid here. Still, it's gold!

"Planning to take it without paying, huh?" Black Orb asks after observing Alden's movements.

"Of course not," Alden whispers.

"Okay."

...

"That's too expensive," Alden says as he places the rusty dagger back on the table among other items.

"Young man, that's a standard price for an antique of this caliber," the trader wags his index finger.

"Oh, how about a barter then?" Alden asks again.

The trader seems slightly interested, "It depends on what item you're offering in exchange. If it's equivalent to this rare item, I might consider it." The trader points at the rusty dagger.

Alden takes a metal ring out of his pocket. "How about this?"

Initially disappointed, the trader's expression changes when he sees an engraving inside the ring. "Young man, where did you get this?"

"Someone gave it to me."

The trader's expression clearly shows that the value of the ring is greater than the rusty dagger with its fake background. Immediately, he swallows his saliva and nods in agreement.

It's a blessed ring that can only be obtained by someone blessed by a church bishop. In the market, its value might not be equivalent to 100 silver coins, maybe lower, but who would refuse such an opportunity? Exchanging a randomly picked rusty dagger with a ring that truly holds value.

The trader puts on a wicked smile as he hands the dagger over to Alden.

...

With measured steps, Alden pushes open the bar door gently.

He sits in front of the bartender and orders a drink. It's a different bar from the one he visited when he first arrived in the city.

Calmly sipping his drink, everything takes a turn when a troublemaker arrives.

Initially, it doesn't bother Alden much.

A well-built man dressed all in white appears at the bar. He has a perfectly sculpted body, a long sword glistening with gold at his waist. A bit above, his short, bright red hair frames a sly smile on his face, clearly displaying superiority and arrogance as he sits at one of the bar tables.

"Old man, bring me your best drink!" the man shouts.

The current bartender is actually a young man who seems to be in his early twenties. But he seems to have instructed the service to bring the best drink in the bar for him.

When Alden first entered the bar, everything seemed normal. There were wild conversations, occasional displays, and some disagreements and brawls. However, since the arrival of the muscular man, there's almost no sound.

It's evident that they're all keeping quiet out of fear of the man.

Now, Black Orb starts commenting, "Hmm. He does look strong, but that's no reason to belittle others."

Black Orb says this not without reason. The man is now boasting about his achievements. It's clear that he's elevating himself above the people in the bar.

As soon as someone shows a awkward expression, he slams the table hard and shouts, "You don't believe me!"

"No. I mean, I definitely believe everything you say," a slightly awkward person speaks.

Fear fills his face.

"Come here!" the muscular man shouts.

"I am Gall Edder! A level three Guardian who has devoted himself to your safety! Is it polite for you all to belittle me!?" His shout makes the guy who spoke before immediately kneel and apologize.

"Oh, come on. I came here to ease my mind," Alden mumbles quietly.

While sipping his drink, he tries not to draw attention.

Time continues to pass, and Alden finishes a glass of his drink. However, there's no sign of Gall Edder stopping his bragging. Certainly, Alden doesn't need to involve himself in this matter; becoming a late hero is not on his agenda.

At the moment, three people are now kneeling in front of Gall with continuous apologies echoing in the bar.

Some people even choose to leave and avoid this trouble.

"Well, the Guardians have fallen to a very low level... Hard to say that I was once defeated by one of them," Black Orb also starts complaining.

Alden doesn't respond; he pushes the wooden glass forward for a refill.

As the glass is refilled, he gradually sips it.

Unbeknownst to him, a large hand grabs his shoulder. Alden turns around only to see Gall staring at him with irritation.

"You, I haven't seen you in this area before," he says.

Alden willingly responds, "I'm new here. A Traveler."

"Oh, good. Welcome to Heinburg city," Gall pats Alden's back a bit too hard, almost making him spit out his drink.

"A Traveler, meaning you have the ability to fight Dark Souls, right?"

Alden pauses for a moment before nodding. "A bit," he says.

Gall smiles at this moment. "What's your name?"

"Alden."

"Last name?"

"No last name, just Alden."

Gall nods.

"I don't see any weapons on you. Are you a bare-handed fighter?" Gall asks, his superior nature seemingly changing.

"You could say that, a Spell Caster," Alden replies.

Gall's eyes widen, then a small smirk appears on his face "Spell Caster? You mean a Mage?" Gall chuckles lightly, his eyes narrowing. "That means, at least, you have something valuable, right?"

"Like what?" Alden asks.

"Perhaps a Nest Core?" There's a cunning smile on Gall's face.

Alden sighs.